REFLECTION: Matthew 5:13-20 “Salt & Light”
In today’s gospel reading, there is a call for us all to let our light shine
before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our
Father in heaven. And there is a call for us to be the salt of the earth where it
matters, and not to stay hidden inside salt-shakers. We too easily hide our
lights away and we too often fail to be salty.
Here is an outline of today’s message.
Introduction: Qumran – Salt that has lost its saltiness & a light that is
hidden.
1. You are the salt of the earth (13)
a. Salt holds back the rot.
b. But what if the salt loses its saltiness?
c. We are called to be as salt in the world but not to be “of the world”.
2. You are the light of the world (14-16)
a. Jesus is the light of the world.
b. We are called to be the light of the world.
c. But what if the light is hidden?
To Think About:
Where is your light shining for Christ? Who can see it?
HYMNS FOR THIS SUNDAY
TIS 132 Holy, Holy, Holy
MP 1213 O church arise
MP 1201 Longing for light (Christ be our light)
TIS 675 Lord, the light of your love
GOOD NEWS
After a long wait of 14 months, we have finally been granted planning
approval from the City of Greater Dandenong for the new building and site
re-development. There are some conditions we need to meet, objections
may still arise, and there is a lot more work to be done, but this is exciting
news and it is a big leap forward for the building project.
MONDAY MEALS
The Monday Meals will be returning on Monday Feb 6th.
NEWCOMERS LUNCH
Have you arrived at St James’ sometime over the last 3 years? We would
love to invite you to stay for a special lunch for newcomers to be held in the
Parish Centre on Sunday Feb 12th after morning tea at 12 noon. We want to
get to know you better and for you to know us. Please register on the sign-
up sheet in the porch.
6PM SERVICE
We meet tonight at 6pm for a service of praise and worship led by the
young adults. We will be looking at the parable of the lost sheep, sharing
testimonies of God’s goodness, and praising him with music from our music
group. There will be some refreshments afterwards also as we share. All
are welcome and we would love to see you there.
YOUTH GROUP
Youth group will be resuming on Sunday Feb 26th.Martin, Daniel and Tats
will be leading the youth ministry this year and they have some great
activities planned for high school aged youth. Stay tuned.
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
We pray for those who are sick or troubled in body or mind, or who
have special needs: (Please email contact@stjamesdandenong.com or
contact clergy for prayers for anyone who is in need of them).
THIS WEEK WE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR
Mike; Mark; Clovis; Rose; Rhonda; Eva; Cecil; Graeme; Stanley; Nigel; Russell; Josie, Kevin; Joanne, Eve, Margaret, Lynette, Danny, Esme, Henry, Michael, Milton, Sylvia, Charles, Edward, Tyrone, Babu & Jean.